Home Improvement Upgrades for a Greener Home

Earth Day is this Friday – the day dedicated to bringing awareness to environmental protection! Many people go out and plant trees on Earth Day, others pick up trash in a local park, but we think a little closer to home.

There are many things you can do to and within your home to go green and stay green year-round. Bonus: not only will you be helping to save the environment, but you’ll save a little cash too!

Going green in your home is all about saving energy. In the US, the most common source of energy is coal, which is also the single largest source of pollution. Each year, coal plants release 4 million tons of CO2 into the air—the equivalent of cutting down 161 million trees! By using energy-efficient products in your home, you can help cut the amount of energy you use every single day.

Here are just some of the home improvement projects that will help your home become a green home:

Energy-Efficient Windows

What contributes the most to your electricity bill? If you’re like most people, the answer is heating and cooling. One of the best things you can do to reduce your heating and cooling costs is to replace old windows with energy-efficient windows. You can save 45% on your heating and cooling just by replacing your old windows!

Energy-efficient windows will help keep the heat out during the summer and, vice versa, won’t let the heat escape during the cold winter months. New windows can do so much for a home! They are one of the first things we recommend updating in any home improvement project.

Green Up Your Entry Door

While a green door would make quite the statement, we’re not talking about colors here. Update your entry door to a stylish and energy-efficient door! Whether you’re searching for wood, glass panel, fiberglass, or steel, there are a variety of energy-efficient entry doors to choose from.

Learn how to choose the perfect entry door for your home today.

Siding That Does Double Duty

Siding is meant to protect the walls of your home, but insulated siding also helps insulate your home to keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer months. Updating to insulated siding can help you save as much a 20% on your energy bill!

Looking for more tips on how to go-green around your home this Earth Day? Check out these tips for an environmentally friendly remodel. Or get started on your way to saving energy (and money!) with a free estimate from one of our home improvement specialists! 

Spring Savings on Replacement Windows

It is officially Spring! It’s that wonderful time of year when we can finally open our home’s windows, let the fresh air in, and bask in the warm spring sun.

For some of us, this time of the year means the dreaded (but usually much needed) spring cleaning. But don’t let the thought of spring cleaning stress you out. Tackle one project at a time, starting with your windows!

Throughout the winter, windows can get dirty and foggy, but a quick cleaning can usually fix that right up and you will have a great view of those beautiful blooming flowers in no time! Check out our window cleaning tips to get the perfect spotless window! 

For others, simply cleaning your windows isn’t going to do the trick. No window lasts forever—it may be time for new replacement windows! Spring is a great time to look into replacing your windows. Do you have difficulty opening your windows properly? Or do you have trouble closing them completely? These are signs it’s time for a replacement!

Another good reason that spring is the perfect time to replace your windows: Spring Savings with Aspen Home Improvements! Right now when you use the code SPRINGAHEAD you’ll save 10% on replacement windows!

Start your spring off right with new windows that really allow you to enjoy the great weather and let the warm sunshine in! Talk to us at our Pennsylvania or Maryland locations to learn more and get started!

4 Tips to Keep Your Home Warm And Save Money

There’s no denying that winter around this area can get COLD, so what can you do to save on heating?

The most obvious solution: turning the heat down. But you can only really lower it 1 or 2 degrees before you start to feel the difference. Who wants to freeze in their own home? Not us! And you shouldn’t have to either.

Here are a few things that you can do to help keep your home warm and save on heating costs this winter:

Going out? Turn it Down!

It is okay to turn your heat down if you know you will be leaving your home for an extended period of time. In fact, turning the temperature down 10-15% while you’re gone can help lower your heating costs every month.

Try installing a programmable thermostat if you’re on a regular work schedule, programming it to turn on a half hour before you arrive home so you can walk in to a comfortable temperature. Note: Make sure to keep the heat on high enough to prevent pipes from freezing.

Use Everything the Sun Has to Give

Most people don’t associate sunshine with winter, but the sun still comes out, and you can use that to your advantage. When the beams are shining into your home, open the curtains and let the sun in! The sunlight will help warm your house during the day, but remember to close them once the sun sinks below the horizon to help trap warm air in.

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

Insulation is the number one thing helping to keep the heat inside the walls of your home! Start in the attic (most homes don’t have properly insulated attics) and work your way down.

Find Those Cracks

Any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or the chimney allow the warm air in your home to escape. Find and seal any drafty areas to keep the cold out all winter long. Still feeling the cold coming through after sealing up the cracks in your windows? It might be time to think about installing replacement windows that are energy efficient!

Aspen Home Improvements offers a wide range of energy efficient replacement windows! Contact one of our home improvement specialists to learn more about installing new windows in your home. 

5 Common Mistakes in Window Replacement

Replacing your windows with new energy-efficient windows can be a huge money saver, but only if you do it right. Take a look at the 5 most common mistakes homeowners make when they decide to replace their windows.

1. Improperly Installing Windows

Even the most energy-efficient windows you can get your hands on will do no good if they’re not installed properly. This is the most common mistake Aspen Home Improvements’ window specialists see homeowners make when replacing their Pennsylvania and Maryland home’s windows. Not only will energy-efficiency decrease, but the windows will wear more quickly, meaning they’ll need to be replaced again even sooner.

2. Trying to Do It Yourself

If you’re the DIY type, it may be temping to replace the windows on your own, but unless you have experience and training, it might not be the best idea. Remember mistake number 1 we mentioned above? Hiring a local home improvement professional, like our trained team at Aspen, to install your windows is worth the extra cost. You will save money in the long run with a window that will keep drafts out and won’t wear due to improper installation.  

3. Opting for Off-Brand Windows

If you’re looking to save money on your window replacement project, off-brand windows might sound appealing, but it’s always a better idea to go with a well-known name. Brands like our line of Starmark and Insul-Tec 500 windows respected in the industry for their energy-efficiency and functionality. Do your research and then talk to one of our specialists to find the right fit for you!

4. Using Cost as your Main Search Factor

We get that cost is a big factor in any home improvement project, but windows are one of those places that you should look to invest a bit more. Buying based on price alone could leave you with a window that’s worse then the ones you currently have. Yikes! If you are still worried about your budget, we have home financing options that will help feel comfortable staying within your price point!

5. Not Consulting a Professional

Most home improvement professionals offer free consultations. Take advantage of these! Sit down with a window installation specialist and talk about both your budget and what you’re looking for in your new windows. You should feel confident with the company you hire and comfortable enough to ask them any questions you may have along the process.

Schedule a free consultation with a home improvement specialist at Aspen Home Improvements and we’ll discuss what you’re looking for and how we can help you improve your home!

Aspen’s Window Cleaning Tips

Does everything look a little blurry or dingy when you look outside your window? It might be time to give them a good cleaning before it gets way too cold to have those windows open! 

If you’ve upgraded your windows with Aspen then you’re in luck – our Starmark brand windows are a breeze to clean! Starmark’s window latches allow for easy angling to clean both inside and out, plus our casement windows open a full 90°, just pop the screen out to clean.

What are you waiting for? Get started on your path to clean windows with these expert window cleaning tips:

For The Glass

To remove any filth that may have left a layer of film over your window, a simple mixture of mild dish soap and water should do the trick; just apply to a soft cloth or sponge and wipe.

To remove heavy grime, wipe with a dry cloth first then move on to clean with soapy water, vinegar, or liquid window cleaner; there’s no need for abrasive cleaners on Starmark windows. Use a squeegee for a streak-free finish!

• CAUTION: Using abrasive cleaners or attempting to remove built up dirt or dried on paint with a metal razor blade may damage Starmark’s Heat Shield™ coating.

For Window Screens

Cleaning your window screens not only allows you to see out your windows better, but it also lets more air flow through when you have your windows open. Whether you’re cleaning a conventional screen or Starmark’s innovative ThruVision Plus® screen, your best friend is a soft fiber cloth.

Using a soft cloth, wipe down the window screen with the same soap and water mixture you used on the glass and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. For tough spots, try using a bit of rubbing alcohol on the window screen.

For The Hardware

Typically all the hardware (latches or handles) needs is a little dusting, but if they’re really looking bad, a bit of soapy water will do the trick!

Learn more about Starmark windows on our website.

If your home needs a few new windows, or a complete window makeover, get in contact with our team of home improvement specialists! We will help you find the right windows for your home.

How Can Windows Improve Your Home?

Good windows improve your home. Great windows improve your life.

Windows are integral to the home. They perform several functions that together make your home experience better. If you own lackluster, old, or damaged units, you should consider replacing your windows. Here are four ways that windows can benefit you and your home:

Natural light is a source of healthy living.

Natural light is a great source for our body, mind, spirit. Aside from the emotional benefits, daylight has been shown to have a significant impact on productivity and health. Our eyes and brains simply function more optimally with natural light versus artificial lighting. Regardless of how your window looks, ensure your home has a source of natural light in every room, when possible.

Windows can make your home more energy-efficient.

The right windows can help you save on energy costs. Energy-efficient windows in central and eastern Pennsylvania area reduce the need for heating and cooling, which makes them great investments for your home.

Windows can enhance your home's curb appeal.

Upgrading or changing your windows can not only add more value to your home, the correct type of windows can massively enhance the architectural style of your home, whether the style is traditional, contemporary, simplistic, or modern.

Windows can improve indoor air quality.

Because we spend many of our days indoors, it’s important to make sure that the air we’re breathing in is fresh and safe. The best replacement units protects against moisture and condensation concerns, which may lead to mold formation and accumulation of harmful substances. With new windows, a healthier living environment is possible.

Ready to improve your home with new windows?

Let Aspen Home Improvements help you! Contact us today to speak with our experts and schedule your free estimate.

Environmentally Friendly Remodeling

When remodeling your home, it’s important to consider ways in which you can reduce your environmental footprint and create the safest, most energy-efficient space as possible. Aspen Home Improvement is here to provide you with top-quality, sustainable options for your home. Check out these tips for going green while remodeling!

Look for the Energy Star Rating

Since the creation of the Energy Star label and standard, the program has helped home and business owners reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It’s important to look for the Energy Star certification label when purchasing products for your home – everything from kitchen appliances to windows.

Aspen offers Energy Star windows that can help you preserve energy by keeping your home well insulated throughout the entire year! With energy-efficient windows, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable home environment while also saving money on energy bills.

Invest in Quality Roofing

When roofs have broken or cracked shingles, the effects of the elements on your home could lead to higher energy bills. Make sure that you invest in durable roofing that will last!

Aspen offers roofing from Atlas, a roofing company that is well-known and respected for their top-quality products. Their materials are created to be more durable and last longer than standard shingles, so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing shingles, which benefits the environment.

Look for Recycled or Re-purposed Materials

 More and more companies are using recycled materials to keep trash out of landfills or oceans. Not only are they good for the planet, but reused materials can add a rustic chic element to a room as well! Search for reclaimed wood products or centerpieces made from recycled glass.

Say “No” to VOCs

Many remodeling materials contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be toxic to breathe. High concentrations of VOCs in the environment can essentially cause the air temperature to rise due to their high vapor pressure. Make sure to shop for non or low VOC paint and flooring products!

Be sure to call us at 717-569-3700 or stop by our showroom to talk to one of our home improvement specialists! We are located right in Lancaster, PA, but we serve customers over a large area of central and eastern Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, York, Reading, Chester, and Berks County.

Let us help you create the home of your dreams!

Is It Time To Replace Your Windows?

Are you unsure if you need to replace your home's windows? If your home is older than 15 years, it's probably a good time to check and make sure your windows are still operating correctly. For instance, do you have trouble opening or closing your windows? Do you consistently find moisture on your windows' interior? Just like your roof shingles, over time, your windows and doors need to be replaced. To help you through the replacement process, we are providing the following tips and solutions to help determine if the time to replace or upgrade your windows is now.

DO YOUR WINDOWS USE SINGLE-PANE GLASS?

Many older homes still use their original windows built with single-pane glass. Simply put, single-pane glass with windows is not energy efficient. These old windows often freeze open or shut, and they feel cold or icy to the touch. They’re also known to develop frost on the inside of the window, which increases the chances of breakage, ultimately causing damage to your home.

DO YOUR WINDOWS LEAK WATER OR LET IN TOO MUCH AIR IN THE WINTER OR SUMMER MONTHS?

The weather conditions outside your home should not appear on the inside—a good sign that your windows need to be replaced. Inefficient windows can leak, allowing water to come into your house both in front of and behind the walls—a leading cause of mold and mildew in homes. Old, worn-out windows or patio doors often leak air, resulting in high energy bills during peak heating and cooling months. The glass may be loose or the seal between the sash and frame may have weakened.

DO YOUR WINDOWS CLOSE AND LOCK PROPERLY?

Besides being an important safety concern, air escapes through windows and patio doors left opened or even just unlocked. Escaping air greatly reduces the energy efficiency of your home, and replacing your windows helps to eliminate this problem.

ARE YOUR WINDOWS FALLING APART OR ROTTING?

If a window is failing as a result of leaking or sticking, it’s probably time to replace. If a window is rotting or falling apart, you should replace it right away.

If after reading these tips you feel your windows are out dated, drafty, cracked, or just plain “old” it is time for an upgrade. Installing beautiful, new replacement windows can be one of the smartest investments you make to your home. New energy efficient tax credits have raised standards for energy efficient windows; home owners can save up to an average of 45% on cooling and heating costs if they outfit their home with updated replacement “green windows.”

Aspen Home Improvements is proud to offer Energy Star windows. Feel free to explore the benefits of our finest window The Starmark, or our other exceptional choice, The Insul-Tec 500 series.

Call or come in today to talk to our window experts and set up your free consultation. We are conveniently located on Lititz Pike in Lancaster, Pa. We serve customers over a large area of central and eastern Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Reading, Chester, and Berks.

Customer Testimonials

If there’s one thing we take more seriously than our award-winning home improvement services, it’s the satisfaction of our customers.

We have been so lucky to work with homeowners from all over – including Maryland, West Virginia, and right here, locally, in Lancaster County. One of our favorite parts of the remodeling process is hearing how happy our customers are with their updated home!

Whether it’s our beautiful custom doors, our award-winning roofs, our energy-efficient windows, or our durable siding, we pride ourselves in providing the very best for our hard-working customers.

Recently, we have gotten a lot of fantastic feedback that we want to share with you!

“We purchased 2 Angie's List vouchers for Aspen Home Improvement totaling $1000.00. We wanted to replace 2 windows that were drafty. The installers were professional and cleaned up after themselves.”

Barbara, Lincoln University, PA

“Mark is a class act! Love the new door!”
Josiah, Windsor, PA

“The installation crew came on the date they were supposed to come. It took 2 full days to do all the work. We are pleased with the work!”
Janet, New Freedom, PA

“Very fast – in one day! Very professional! The roof is BEAUTIFUL!”

Mark, Biglerville, PA

A huge thank you to all of our customers who took the time to provide us with feedback on our services! We are so happy that we were able to help you fall in love with your homes all over again!

Have we completed a renovation project for you in the past? We want to hear from you! We would greatly appreciate if you would review our work.

Energy-Efficient Windows vs. Traditional Windows

Are you paying high energy bills?

Most homeowners might be unhappy with the cost of their monthly energy bills but aren’t sure what to do about it other than complain about losing money. But did you know that the windows in your home greatly impact your energy bills?

In winter, your heat may be leaking through cracks in your windows, resulting in a rise in your heating bill. Some even see an increase of up to 25% percent.

In summer, the opposite happens. The strong UV rays from the sun enter in through poorly insulated glass windows, causing the interior of your home to become hotter. This causes your air conditioning units to work twice as hard to keep your home to your desired temperature.

The solution?

Energy-efficient windows!

Energy-Efficient Windows vs. Traditional Windows

Glass Coating

If low-emissivity coatings are applied to glass, it can help control the temperature within your home. A coating on the outside will reflect sunlight, thus keeping your home cooler. A coating on interior glass will keep the warm air inside your home.

Structure

The material of your window frame can also affect the temperature of your home. Traditional windows made from materials such as aluminum conduct a lot of heat, causing them to warm your home. This causes energy bills to increase during the summer. Also, most traditional windows are reported to leak air a lot because they are not properly sealed. Energy-efficient windows are filled with nontoxic gas that help prevent hot or cool air from escaping.

Energy Star

We are proud to carry Energy Star windows! It is guaranteed that every product with the Energy Star label has met strict federal guidelines for energy efficiency. Not only do these windows save homeowners a significant amount on monthly utility bills, they also reduce greenhouse emission gases, leaving a lighter carbon footprint than traditional windows.

Other Benefits

When you install energy-efficient windows in your home, you can spend less on heating and cooling equipment. And, because they won’t be working as hard to maintain your home’s temperature, they will require less maintenance and last much longer. It is also possible to obtain cash rebates for installing energy-efficient windows.

Are you ready to replace your traditional windows with top-quality energy-efficient windows from Energy Star? Contact our team! We will schedule a consultation so that we can begin prepping your home for new windows!

6 Window Types, 1 Perfect Match!

At Aspen Home Improvements, we consider ourselves successful matchmakers.

We have a reputation around Central, PA for being able to match your home with the perfect window.

Of course, choosing the right option for you depends on a variety of factors. The style of your home and the function of your window have a lot to do with the decision-making process. But we don’t disclude you from the conversation! Your personal preference and budget are also a major part in narrowing down your options.

Here are 6 of the main types of windows that you have to choose from.

Double-Hung. These windows are frequently installed in traditional homes. They are taller than they are wide and feature two sashes in one frame. You can either slide the bottom one up or the top one down to your preferred position.

Single-Hung. Single-hung windows are very similar to double-hung windows, except they only feature the bottom sash that slides up and down. Air circulation is much more limited because you can only open one-half of the window.

Casement. If you want a lot of air circulation, these windows are a great choice! It is one, larger window that opens by use of a crank. Instead of going up and down, these windows swing out. However, you may not want to place them near porches or patios because they take up more room than standard windows.

Sliding windows. Like a sliding glass door, these windows slide side to side rather than up or down. They are a very sleek and modern design!

Bay windows. Large-in-size and stunning in appearance, these windows will make any room look bigger than it actually is! They usually protrude from the house a little bit, adding dimension to your home. You will see much more natural light with bay windows!

Shaped windows. If you are looking for decoration and a way to let a small amount of natural light in, then you can look into shaped windows. Most are round or rectangular, but you can purchase hexagonal shapes as well. However, these windows provide no air circulation because they cannot be opened!

We know it’s hard to make a final decision with all of these options, but that’s what we’re here for! Contact us and we will send a member of our team to your home to discuss the best fit for you.

Resources for your Energy-Efficient Home Improvement

The start of a home improvement project can sometimes be daunting.

Where do I start? What information should I know? What exactly am I looking for?

These are all questions homeowners commonly ask themselves when deciding on a home improvement project, and while they’re all important questions, it’s even more important to take a breath and relax.

Fortunately, there are numerous resources out there for homeowners looking for a home improvement project in 2015. Whether you’re looking for new windows, doors, siding, roofing, or any other project, there’s plenty of information out there for you!

U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy not only works with businesses on all energy matters, but it’s also a great resource for homeowners looking to learn more about energy-efficiency.

Energy.gov has an entire section dedicated to homeowners looking to find more information about saving energy – and money – in their home. If you’re looking to find more information about energy-efficient windows and doors, there’s a great Windows, Doors and Skylights section dedicated to providing information, tips, advice and even smaller DIY project ideas for homeowners.

Look for the ENERGY STAR certification
on your home improvement products
and appliances!

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a program put together by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for consumers to save energy, money, and to protect the environment.

ENERGY STAR certifies only the most energy-efficient products on the market. One of the great things about ENERGY STAR is the program certifies products for all over your home. Not only can you find ENERGY STAR-certified windows and doors, but you can also get information about energy-efficient appliances, electronics, and other products found around your home.

National Fenestration Rating Council

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit organization responsible for labeling the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights and other related products. The ratings and labels found on the NFRC labels are independent – meaning there is no outside influence, giving you a fair and informed assessment of your energy-efficient products.

Among the ratings found on a NFRC label: U-Value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, Air Leakage, and even Condensation Resistance. The NFRC has even put together its own guide for homeowners looking to purchase energy-efficient windows.

Efficient Windows Collaborative

The Efficient Windows Collaborative, or EWC for short, is a non-profit organization that offers great resources focused on energy-efficient windows. According to their website, the EWC works with manufacturers, research organizations, government agencies, and other groups to provide the best information possible about energy-efficient windows.

No matter where you are in the home improvement process, the EWC can provide you additional information to help you make an informed decision that best suits your home improvement needs. The EWC even offers separate resources those installing new windows or replacing their current windows.

And lastly… the Aspen Home Improvements team!

All of these resources can be great sources of information, no matter what project you might be looking into for your home.

But if you have additional questions, our team is happy to help you! Our home improvement specialists are happy to answer any questions you might have about improving your home and starting – and finishing – your project in 2015!

Frequently Asked Questions: Window Condensation

Condensation can be a common problem this time of year, so it’s no surprise that we've received a lot of questions from many homeowners recently.

Although condensation can happen any time of year, it can be especially common during the summer and winter months. Condensation can come in the form of water droplets, frost, or even ice – but no matter the form, it’s important to know more about the causes and the potential issues that could arise from excess window condensation.

To address your concerns, we've come up with a few answers to the most common questions we've received about window condensation – check it out!

Why is there condensation on my windows?

Window condensation means there’s an excess amount of moisture in the air. This usually happens because warmer air typically carries more moisture than cooler, dry air.

Condensation can be a common problem for homeowners in winter because of the extreme temperature differences between your home and the outdoors.

Excess or frequent condensation could be a sign of
much bigger problems for homeowners.

Will it damage my windows?

A small amount is normal during extreme temperature differences, such as winter or summer months. However, if condensation is a common problem, your home could have excess moisture.

This could cause issues such as mold, mildew and rotting. Other serious issues can include damage to your home’s insulation or walls.

Is it possible to prevent condensation from forming on my windows?

Especially in extreme temperatures, it’s difficult to prevent extreme differences between your home’s temperature and the outdoors.

This makes completely eliminating condensation very difficult. However, there are certain steps you can take to combat window condensation.

How can I decrease condensation?

Energy-efficient windows are one way of combatting condensation. Energy-efficient windows help combat extreme temperature differences on your window surfaces, helping to prevent the formation of condensation.

Other ways include: installing/using a dehumidifier, keeping your drapes and blinds open, or running exhaust fans longer in areas like your kitchen or laundry room.

Interested in switching to energy-efficient windows? Sign up for a Free Estimate!

Energy-Efficient Windows FAQs

Many homeowners – especially during the winter months – are interested in learning more about improving the energy-efficiency of their homes.

One popular option for many homeowners is replacing their old, inefficient windows. But even then, we still get a lot of questions about the replacement window process.

To help, we've put together we've answered some of the FAQ’s for Energy-Efficient Windows --

What does it mean to be ENERGY STAR certified?

According to ENERGY STAR, products – including windows, doors, and other products for your home – are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.

In short, your new, energy-efficient windows are exactly like other windows – except they help you save on your heating and cooling bills.

What makes a Window Energy Efficient?

There are several factors that improve your windows’ performance.

Double and triple-pane windows are far more energy-efficient than single-pane windows by adding additional panes of glass to the window. Many energy-efficient windows are also specially coated to keep heat in your home during the winter, or keep it out during the summer months.

Layers of gas are usually included in between panes to add an additional layer of insulation to your window.

Other features, including insulated spacers and frames also help to increase the energy-efficiency of many replacement windows.

What am I sacrificing by switching to Energy-Efficient Windows?

The short answer – nothing!

Energy-efficient windows are designed specifically to improve the performance of your windows. In fact, your windows likely won’t look any different than the ones currently in your home – they’ll only look newer!

How much can I save?

This number can depend on a few factors, including your region and the type of window you’ll be replacing.

According to ENERGY STAR, certified windows can immediately reduce your energy bills by up to 15 percent.

Annually, homeowners in the Middle Atlantic Region can see a savings of more than $400 when replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR-certified windows.

What are some other benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows?

In addition to helping you save, energy-efficient windows have several other benefits.

New windows are far easier to maintain than windows with worn out frames, leaks, and other issues. This will save you time – and a lot of headaches – further down the road.

And did you know energy-efficient windows can also help save your furniture? Too much sunlight can accelerate the fading process in your furniture and carpeting. Energy-efficient windows help eliminate harmful UV rays from damaging your furniture and carpeting, giving it a longer life in your home.

How else will I be saving?

Making your home more energy efficient helps more than just your wallet.

You can see a great deal of personal savings by installing energy-efficient windows in your home, but you’re also being environmentally friendly.

According to ENERGY STAR, replacing your inefficient, single-pane windows can save up to 3,839 pounds of CO₂ – or the equivalent of 196 gallons of gasoline!

Interested in improving your home's energy efficiency? Get a Free Estimate on your Window Replacement!

Windows and Doors: Tips for Winterizing your Home

With the weather quickly dropping, it’s getting more and more important for homeowners to take the proper steps for “winterizing” their homes.

You’ve already checked to see if your home is ready for winter weather, but now there’s an even more important question to answer:

Now what?

To get the most out of your windows and doors – and to help you save on your energy bills – we've put together a few quick tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your windows and doors to keep your home feeling comfortable and your energy bills down.

Window Treatments

To make your current windows even more energy efficient, try adding additional window treatments such as draperies or window shades.

Make sure your windows and doors are properly taken care of
to avoid bigger problems for your home.

According to Energy.gov, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10%. Adding insulated or thermal draperies or curtains to your windows could help to cut down on heat loss even more.

Window shades are another great option if you’re looking to get even greater efficiency out of your already energy-efficient windows. Dual shades can be switched depending on the season, helping to absorb heat on one side and reflect heat on the other.

Tip: if using dual shades, make sure the reflective side is toward the warmest side.

Seal Leaks or Drafts

If you’re feeling a slight drafts even when your windows and doors are closed, it might be as simple as sealing your windows and doors. However, it’s important to be careful that this isn’t a sign of damaged windows and doors. If damaged, a temporary seal is only that – temporary.

If there is no visible damage, try sealing your windows and doors to prevent drafts. Foams or films tend to work great for windows and can help seal up drafts in a pinch.

Another fix for doors is a simple draft snake. These are usually filled with sand and are an easy way to seal the door.

Remember: sealing drafts are usually only temporary fixes. Major drafts or leaks in your windows or doors are definite red flags they may need to be replaced!

Replace your Windows or Doors

If you have damaged windows or doors, it’s in your best interest to not try a “quick-fix” for the winter. It may not seem like an opportune time to replace your windows or doors, but winter is actually a great time to replace your windows and doors.

If your windows or doors are damaged, a “quick-fix” solution won’t solve your problems in the long term. Replacement windows or doors can provide an instant boost in energy savings and can help keep your future energy bills low as well.

As an added bonus, replacement windows and doors will improve the curb appeal of your home and improve the overall value of your home, too.

Need to replace your windows or doors before the weather drops even further? Sign up to get a Free Estimate on your project!

Replacement Window Benefits

Replacement windows aren't just for show.

There are many benefits to replacing your old windows with new, energy-efficient windows – both in the short and long-term. At Aspen Home Improvements, we offer the highest quality windows to meet your needs – and even exceed them!

Here are just some of the benefits of your new windows –

This replacement window we installed can look
great and add great benefits for your home!

• Energy Savings. One of the biggest advantages to replacement windows is saving on your energy bills. Energy-efficient windows help reduce and prevent energy loss from your windows by keeping your home more insulated, helping you save on your next energy bill.
•  Curb Appeal. New windows can provide an instant boost to the look of your home. This also helps boost the value of your home in the long-term. In fact, replacing your windows can provide a great return on investment if you’re considering selling your home in the future.
• Less Maintenance. Replacement windows require less work than old, broken windows. Old windows can require fixing leaks, repairing the frame, and other maintenance issues you don’t really have the time to fix.
• Home Comfort. You should be comfortable in your home, and replacement windows can help. Replacement windows help prevent excess heat from sunlight, air drafts from entering your home, among other issues that can arise from older windows.
• Longer life for furniture, carpet, etc. Not only will replacement windows help you save on energy, but they’ll also help you save elsewhere around the home. How? By allowing in too much sunlight, old windows can speed up the fading process of furniture, carpets, etc. Replacing your windows can help you save on having to replace your faded furniture and carpets.

Not only will you be receiving these great benefits with your new windows, but you’ll also be taken care of by our award-winning services.

If you’re interested in replacing your outdated windows, why not consider a free estimate? Request a free estimate for your window replacement project or other home project – including door and siding – needs. It just requires a simple click on the button below!

Reading Energy-Efficient Window Labels: A Quick How-To

With the weather beginning to heat up, energy-efficient windows are going to be essential to keeping your home cool.

But how do you know which windows are best?

The National Fenestration Rating Council includes labels on windows to show each window’s performance. These labels indicate several performance factors, but without the proper background, they can sometimes be difficult to read. Here’s a quick summary of the label so you know what to look for in your replacement windows this summer.

Energy Ratings – 

• U-Factor. This number indicates how well the window is insulated. The lower the number, the better insulated (and more energy-efficient!). Anything under .30 is considered to be energy-efficient, but at Aspen, we go above and beyond. Our replacement windows have a .24 rating – so we’re better than just being energy-efficient!
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). SHGC indicates how much solar heat is being let in by the replacement window. The lower the number, the less heat being let into your home.

Other Ratings –

• Visible Transmittance. This number is an indicator of how much light is being let into your home by the replacement window. The higher the number, the more light being allowed into your home.
• Air Leakage. Like our last rating, air leakage describes exactly that; air leakage shows the amount of air passing through the window. Remember – this number is not always shown on a NFRC label.
• Condensation Resistance. This number indicates the resistance of your window to condensation buildup. In this particular case, the higher the number, the more resistant it is to condensation buildup. However, like air leakage, this number is not always shown.

If you’re interested in learning more about our replacement windows, view pictures of our past window projects. You can also click for a free estimate from our team!

Replacement Windows: Which Glass Should you Consider?

It's vital to choose the best kind of replacement window glass for your climate. The NFRC label on a window includes information about the glass and every contractor or window retailer uses this label to rate a window. This label will tell you how well your window would be, both energy efficient wise and how well it will hold up in the long run.

• Double-paned (double-glazed) windows have two layered panes of glass. The air in the space between the panes serves as insulation. All single pane windows are a thing of the past now.

• Triple-glazed windows have three layered panes and provide even better insulation.

• Gas-filled windows are double- or triple-paned and have a gas like argon or krypton filling the space between the panes of glass; the gas provides better insulation than just a layer of air does, because the gas is heavier than air. The NFRC label will list what type of gas in used for that particular window.

• Warm-edge spacers (sometimes called warm-edge technology) hold the panes of glass in a double- or triple-paned window apart. They are made of a material that reduces heat transfer and improves insulation. Foam is sometimes used as insulation as well.

• Low-E (low-emissivity) glass is coated with a transparent metal film that reflects heat. Low-E coatings reflect radiant heat off the inside of the windows and back into the house to help keep it warm in the winter. Most low-E coatings also reflect some of the sun's heat off the outside of the windows, limiting how much of it enters the house.

• High-performance glazing is glass that has several features designed to make it more energy efficient, such as two or three low-E gas-filled panes with warm-edge spacers.

• Visible transmittance measures how much visible light comes through a window on a scale of 0 to 1.The higher the number, the more visible light you'll receive. You can find the (VT) on the NFRC label.

                         Have a few more questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us:

 

 

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